It has been a turbulent start to the season for Manchester United, with a string of underwhelming results and performances triggering the predictable wave of scrutiny.
In tandem with Steve Holland, Michael Carrick did little wrong during his interim spell, overseeing a remarkable upturn in Premier League form to secure Champions League qualification.
But early defeats to Hull and City, and a Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, have intensified questions about tactical preparations, game management and the players’ ability to meet expectations.
For some, Carrick is out of his depth. For others, the players are responsible and delivering the same jaded attempts as their many predecessors.
Either way, three points and a confident display against Fulham can build momentum ahead of a prolonged break for international football, and anything else doesn’t bear thinking about.
Recent showings may have been far below standard, but success was never determined after four games of any domestic campaign.
A win would push the Reds into the conversation for Champions League qualification, and despite what some would have you believe, that is the primary goal this season.
“It’s not a catastrophe or a disaster; it’s not the end of the world, we’re not in a place where we’ve gone on an awful long run of horrific results,” Carrick stated during Friday’s media duties.
“We’ve lost a couple of games recently, and we feel that we’ve started, and we’ve been in all the games that we’ve played, if not been the better team at the start of games.
“So, it’s not like we’re having a real struggle all the time. We’ve done a lot of good things in them to put ourselves in really good positions in the games that we’ve been in.
“So, the belief certainly comes from that. The good things that we’ve done that gets totally lost in the surrounding feeling, but it doesn’t get lost by us.”
The 45-year-old also touched on his squad and the first-team names on the cusp of return for selection, namely Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw.
“There is a chance on both, really,” he said. “Not totally 100 per cent yet.
“It is really short-term [with Luke], to be honest, but we’re just working towards the game. So we’ll see how he is.”
The United faithful are understandably eager to see Baleba in action after his high-profile move from Brighton, given his defensive mindset and ability to carry the ball through transition.
He is yet to make his debut for the club, but has impressed medical staff with his commitment to a meticulous individual rehabilitation plan.
Matthijs de Ligt, Amad and Manuel Ugarte are unavailable and will remain sidelined for Sunday’s trip to London.
United hold an impressive record at Craven Cottage and are unbeaten in the previous 10 meetings at the London ground, winning eight and drawing twice.
Additionally, the Reds have scored in each of the sides’ previous 24 meetings, last failing to find the net in a 3-0 defeat in December 2009.
Peter Bankes will officiate Sunday’s fixture, with play set to get underway at 4:30 PM BST. The 44-year-old has issued an average of 4.5 cards during his four matches this season.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Dorgu; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels. Photo by Mark Cosrgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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